What are you willing to spend? ∙∙

What are you willing to spend? ∙∙

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your lives! – 2 Corinthians 12:15

2 Timothy 4:5-8

 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at sharing the Good News with others and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.

 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

 8 And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

The Cost of Commitment

In August 2019, Andrew Luck, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, walked off the field for the final time amidst jeers and boos from spectators. At just 29 years old, Luck made the difficult decision to retire, forfeiting millions in potential future earnings. His choice was driven by a relentless series of injuries that had drained his passion for the game and left him trapped in a cycle of pain. After six years in the NFL, his body was “ravaged by injuries,” and he longed to stop hurting and enjoy life. Fans criticized Luck for quitting, as football players are often seen as “warriors and gladiators,” expected to sacrifice everything to play such a violent sport.

However, the mindset of today’s players has shifted significantly. Many now choose to retire while still relatively young. For example, Rob Gronkowski, the tight end for the New England Patriots, retired in 2019 at the age of 30. Although he briefly returned to play two more seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he retired for a second and final time shortly thereafter.

These players are acutely aware of the long-term consequences of their profession. Concussions and other injuries have left many of their predecessors with dementia, chronic pain, or both. Increasingly, younger players are unwilling to pay such a steep price for their careers.

Paul’s Commitment to His Spiritual Children

When Paul shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, those who accepted and believed became children of the King. But they also became Paul’s spiritual children. As their spiritual father, Paul was deeply committed to their well-being, just as any good parent would be. He writes in 2 Corinthians 12:15: “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your lives.”

Paul’s words reveal the depth of his devotion to his spiritual offspring. He was willing to expend every resource at his disposal for their spiritual growth and well-being. He was even prepared to lay down his life for them. Like most parents, Paul desired the best for his children, and his primary concern was their relationship with the Father.

The Greek Nuances of Paul’s Sacrifice

The original Greek text of the New Testament often reveals layers of meaning that are not immediately apparent in English translations. In 2 Corinthians 12:15, Paul employs a subtle yet profound play on words to emphasize the extent of his commitment. Two different Greek terms are used, both translated as “spend” or “spent,” but each carries a distinct nuance.

• Dapanao: This term means “to spend freely, even to squander.” It describes “resources that are used freely, without hesitation, similar to ‘pocket change’ in modern times.” It signifies “funds that are spent casually, often without much thought, enabling carefree enjoyment in the moment.”

• Ekdapanao: This is an intensified form of dapanao, meaning to “exhaust oneself completely, to be drained of energy, or to have one’s vitality utterly spent.” It expresses the concept of “giving your all and holding nothing back.”

Paul’s choice of words reveals a profound depth of devotion to his spiritual children, a commitment that transcended mere surface-level interaction. He wasn’t just offering a few coins or putting in minimal effort; instead, he was lavishly pouring out every ounce of his being, even sacrificing his very life for their well-being. For Paul, no price was too steep, no challenge too daunting. His dedication was unwavering and complete; he was undeniably “all in,” investing every drop of his passion and energy into their growth and success.

REFLECT & PRAY

As you reflect on your life, take a moment to consider the resources available to you. What’s in your wallet? How much are you willing to pay? What amount are you prepared to invest?

Father, I keep facing the same choices over and over. Guide me to make wise decisions and inspire me to commit as passionately as Paul did.

INSIGHT

A Life Poured Out

When Paul encountered the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, his life underwent a profound and irreversible transformation. On that pivotal day, two deaths occurred. First, Paul’s former way of life came to an end. Everything he once valued, his status, ambitions, and identity, was surrendered in exchange for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ as his Lord. Second, Paul died to himself, relinquishing his personal goals and desires. From that moment on, he no longer lived for himself but for Christ and the advancement of the Father’s kingdom.

Paul’s Radical Commitment to Christ in Galatians 2:20: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul’s life clearly exemplified this truth. His comfort, ambitions, and self-interest no longer motivated him. Instead, he focused solely on serving Christ and carrying out his assignment from the Father. This is clearly expressed in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Paul’s Final Offering

As Paul neared the end of his life, he reflected on his journey of self-sacrifice and service. He recognized that his death was imminent, and he viewed it as the final act of surrender in a life wholly devoted to God. This is clearly seen in 2 Timothy 4:6: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”

Paul used the imagery of a drink offering, a concept rooted in Old Testament sacrificial practices, to describe his impending death. In ancient Israel, a drink offering involved pouring out wine as an act of worship and dedication to God. The wine, which could have been enjoyed personally, was instead offered as a sacrifice to honor the Lord. Paul viewed his life in a similar manner: something that could have been spent on personal pleasure but was instead entirely devoted to God’s purposes.

Being Poured Out by God

A closer examination of the original Greek reveals a subtle yet significant nuance in Paul’s statement. The Greek verb spendo, translated as “poured out,” is in the passive voice. Paul was not the one pouring himself out; instead, it was the Father who poured him out. Paul’s life was not wasted but was invested by God for eternal purposes. His surrender to the Father’s will allowed God to use him as a vessel for His honor.

Paul’s life was an ongoing act of investment. From the moment he met Christ, he relinquished control, and the “pouring out” of his life began. This process continued until his final moments, as he faithfully served the mission of his King.

Trusting the Father’s Investment

Paul’s steadfast dedication to Christ prompts believers to see their lives as investments in God’s eternal purposes. Every child of the King has the opportunity to invest their time, resources, and energy in ways that yield eternal rewards. How can we do such a remarkable thing, given our frailty and inconsistency? Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.”

This truth reminds us that our ability to serve and sacrifice does not come from our own strength but from God’s sufficiency. Like Paul, we are called to trust the Father’s plan and allow Him to pour out our lives for His purposes.

A Story of Trust: Giving More Than Money

H.L. Gee, a short story writer, recalls a touching incident about a tramp who came to a kind woman’s house asking for help. The woman, realizing she had no small change, gave him a pound note and told him to buy a loaf of bread and return with the change. The man completed the task and came back, and the woman gave him a small coin as a reward. With tears in his eyes, the man said, “It’s not the money. It’s the way you trusted me. No one ever trusted me like that before, and I can’t thank you enough.”

This story illustrates the profound impact of trust. The woman offered more than just money; she shared a part of herself by trusting the man. Her gesture of faith changed his view and made a lasting impression.

A Life Fully Committed

Paul’s life serves as a powerful example of what it means to be fully committed to Christ. From the moment he encountered the Lord, he made a definitive choice to surrender his life to the Father. There was no separation between Paul’s will and God’s will. His life was a continuous act of trust and sacrifice, dedicated to the advancement of the kingdom.

Paul’s example challenges us to reflect on the depth of our own commitments. His willingness to fully devote himself for the sake of others mirrors the heart of Christ, who gave Himself entirely for humanity. Paul’s life is a poignant reminder that true love and devotion often require sacrifice, whether for family, friends, or the spiritual well-being of others.

The challenge for every child of the King is to follow Paul’s example, allowing God to use their lives as investments in His eternal purposes. Some might think that Paul’s life was wasted. Nothing could be further from the truth. Paul’s life was invested! When we invest our lives and place them in the Father’s hands, they can yield eternal returns.

Your Father trusts you! Are you all in?

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© Dr. H 2025